LAKE WALES, Fla. –Culinary action is heating up as Bok Tower Gardens announces the schedule of events for FRESH BITES and COOKING CLASSES culinary programming. Events will be held in the all-new Outdoor Kitchen and Edible Garden. Advance tickets are required to attend. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.boktowergardens.com.

COOKING CLASSES SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Paella and Sangria: The Perfect Pair
Thursday, October 20, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
$55 per couple
Designed for couples, this class showcases the classic Spanish duo of Paella and Sangria. Perfect for a unique date night experience, join Executive Chef James Lazaros of Winter Haven’s La Flor de Espana in the kitchen for this night of romance and delicious Spanish cuisine.

Salty Snacks and Boozy Milkshakes
Thursday, December 8, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
$30 per person
For those of us who are still a kid at heart, learn how to prepare adult versions of classic American snacks with Executive Chef James Lazaros of Winter Haven’s La Flor de Espana.

FRESH BITES SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Craft Beer and Cuisine
Saturday, October 29, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
$20 per person
Food and beverage pairing isn’t just for wine. Join University of Central Florida Adjunct Professor Edmund Measom to learn how to identify the specific profile of a variety of beers and what makes good pairing. The class includes small plate samples.

Brining and Pickling
Saturday, November 12, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
$20 per person
Designed for those who enjoy preserving fresh vegetables and fruits in natural ways. This class targets those with home gardens and provides the secrets to delicious food preservation and much more.

Grilling with a Twist
Saturday, February 11, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
$20 per person
Grill like a champion at home with unexpected ingredient choices such as fruits and desserts.

OTHER UPCOMING CULINARY EVENTS

Three Authors and a RancherPart of the UF/IFAS Celebrated Chef Series
Saturday, December 17, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
$55 per person, tickets on sale September 30Field to Feast, Recipes Celebrating Florida Farmers, Chefs, and Artisans co-authors Heather McPherson, Pam Brandon and Katie Farmand, along with members of the Lightsey Cattle family, will cook, entertain with stories, and serve small bites of everything from rib-eye hot off the grill to delicious olive oil cake. Each guest will receive a signed copy of “Field to Feast” ($29.95 value), and the authors will be on hand to personalize copies – with additional copies for sale at a discount for holiday gifts.

Growing and Cooking with Herbs​Part of the Lunch & Learn Series
Wednesday, January 4, 12:00 p.m.Included in general admission, free to members, reservations available now
Learn how to grow herbs in Central Florida and how to use them in the kitchen! UF/IFAS Extension experts will teach you what herbs to grow each season and provide some tips and tricks for preserving and preparing foods. A food demonstration will incorporate herbs into a healthy, easy-to-prepare dish.

Please note: Due to the interactive nature of culinary programming, participation is limited and classes may sell out. Tickets may not be available for purchase on the day of the event.

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About Bok Tower Gardens:

Voted Florida’s best garden, Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark located 10 miles from LEGOLAND Florida, 55 miles southwest of Orlando and 60 miles east of Tampa near Lake Wales in Central Florida’s rolling hills of citrus. Open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Visitor Center, Café and Gift Shop are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults and $3 for ages 5-12. Members and children under 5 are admitted free. LEGOLAND ticket holders will receive free admission for children under 12. For more information contact Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales FL 33853; 863-676-1408 or visit
www.boktowergardens.org.